Thanks to all who came and attended Lughnasadh on Saturday, August 3, 2013 at 6pm. The sabbat kicked off with the usual preparations of cleaning the temple site, pine cone, and doggie poo sweeps, and set up. A pre ritual crafting activity took place with several society members making Corn Mothers. At this time of harvest of the grains, corn or maize as it was known in South America, was the sustaining grain for the peoples there. The Corn Mother was believed to be the responsible for production and care of her peoples through providing corn. Since this is a crop Lughnasadh, it was appropriate to make and decorate them to her and to Lugh.

The ritual began with the usual open rites and cleansing rituals. A few special items decorated the altar including a Lughnasadh corn designed table cloth made by Woman Between the Wolves, a corn chalice, a black phallus candle, and the crowning center item a Lugh painting of Lugh lying against a hill side with an erect uncut phallus of acrylic on canvas done by Kurt Shoopman in Kentucky. Other items included seasonal flowers, branches, penis bread, and the first fruits of the harvest. Lugh and his consort Cernunnos spoke to the guests. Afterwards people enjoyed special cheese and chive penis bread made by Woman Between the Wolves and said what they were grateful for at this time of thanksgiving. President Muad’Dib performed a druid rite to Sul, after which he performed Celtic reels on the violin, honoring Lugh, Cernunnos, and Sul. Other offerings, libations, and blessing were performed by the society members including a blessing of a Ganesh painting and a wood burned Ingvas. Iyata Bond blessed everyone with a Lughnasadh oil made by her for the occasion.

The feasting included an organic blueberry cobbler made by Cheyanne Opheiknes, roasted vegetables and hamburgers. All in all, a wonderful time!

The Wheel has turned and Lughnasadh is upon us! The festival of Lugh, also known as Lammas, is a time to honor the Tuatha De Danann Warrior known as “Long Arm Lugh”. A Cetlic Sun God, the first harvest come into fruition and storage now. The traditional offerings are the first loafs of bread made from the first harvest. Corn mothers, bread, grains and phalluses are all appropriate iconography for Lughnasadh. This is also the Thanksgiving Holiday, when each person give thanks for the things and blessings in their lives. The center piece and other decorations will feature full nudity of Lugh and phallus candles. Join with us for Lughnasadh! You must come to Witches’ Tea for an invitation.